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OPP employees recognized at The National Science Foundation Director's Awards


May 14, 2021

The National Science Foundation Director's Awards celebrates excellence in service and achievements of National Science Foundation (NSF) employees and programs.

We know OPP employees are some of the best, but it was great to see the following individuals honored NSF-wide:

NSF's Director's Award for Meritorious Service, for 40 years of exceptional leadership in Antarctic biology, ecology, and environment and advocation of science-informed policy resulting in the world’s largest marine-protected area in the Ross Sea

  • Polly A. Penhale

For exceptional achievement in broadening engagement between indigenous communities and researchers, achieving inclusive and meritorious Arctic science through the Navigating the New Arctic program:

  • Gregory J. Anderson
  • Roberto Delgado
  • Linda Izzard
  • Yekaterina Kontar
  • Colleen Strawhacker

For pioneering efforts in the creation of NSF's Midscale Research Infrastructure program enabling the science and engineering research communities to engage in the collaborative design and construction of cutting-edge infrastructure.

  • Michael E. Jackson

For outstanding public service and collaborative efforts achieving critical science and Operational goals for the U.S. Antarctic Program amidst pandemic challenges.

  • Margaret Knuth
  • Timothy M. McGovern
  • Jessie L. Crain
  • Willie A. Rowell
  • William S. Gregory
  • Erin J. Heard
  • Terry Melton
  • Gary James
  • Jon M. Fentress
  • Anthony P. German
  • Elicia K. Liles
  • Peter J. Milne
  • Paul M. Cutler
  • Vladimir O. Papitashvili
  • Karla Heidelberg

For outstanding accomplishment and strategic collaboration in implementing and promoting research and utilization of national spectrum resources.

  • Patrick Smith

A heartfelt congratulations to these, and all the other, winners!

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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